DELPHOS — Long-time business owner and community supporter Robert L. Shenk has passed away.
Shenk died at 7:55 p.m. Monday at Vancrest Assisted Living.
Shenk had owned Shenk’s in downtown Delphos. The company was started by his grandfather in 1876. Robert entered the business in 1945 and retired in 1999.
Shenk was active in his church and the community. He was a longtime usher and greeter at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church and in 1953, as president of the Chamber of Commerce, he organized the first major fundraising drive called “Campaign 5000,” which has evolved into its present fundraiser.
He was a fourth-degree member of the Delphos Knights of Columbus, member of the Delphos Eagles and a charter member of the Delphos Jaycees.
He had been president of St. John’s Band Boosters, the Delphos Club and first Optimist Club. He served as grand marshal of the Canal Days Parade and was past chairman of the Red Feather (Community Chest) Drive to support Delphos entities.
He was a trustee of the Retail Division of the Ohio Council of Merchants, one of the 100 Best Friends of the Canal Commission, member of St. Rita’s Mercy Club and was involved in many other activities to benefit the schools, his church and the community.
He liked to dance, travel, play euchre, read and watch sports on TV. His first major hobby was doing family research and history.
Shenk leaves behind five daughters, a sister and five grandchildren.
See full obituary on page 2.